This verse, 2 Kings 4:10, is part of the story of the Shunammite woman and the prophet Elisha. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: The Shunammite woman and her husband have been observing that Elisha, a man of God, regularly passes through their town. They recognize him as a holy man and have been offering him hospitality, inviting him to eat with them.
"Please let us make a little room on the roof": This refers to building a small, private room on the flat roof of their house. Roofs in that time were often used as living spaces, especially in the evenings. The idea is to create a dedicated space for Elisha's comfort.
"Let us set for him there a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp stand": This describes the furnishings they want to provide for Elisha's room. These items are the basic necessities for a comfortable and functional living space. They represent:
Bed: A place for rest and sleep.
Table: A surface for eating, studying, or working.
Chair: A place to sit and relax.
Lamp stand: Providing light for reading or other activities, especially at night.
"When he comes to us, he can stay there.”: This is the purpose of the room. They are providing a dedicated space for Elisha to stay whenever he passes through Shunem. They want to offer him consistent, comfortable lodging.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
The verse highlights the Shunammite woman's extraordinary hospitality and reverence for Elisha. It shows:
Respect and Honor: She recognized Elisha as a man of God and wanted to honor him.
Generosity: She was willing to invest time and resources to create a comfortable space for him.
Selflessness: She sought no reward for her actions, but simply wanted to serve God's prophet.
Practical Kindness: She went beyond simply offering a meal and provided for Elisha's long-term needs while traveling.
Faith: The Shunammite woman and her husband acted in faith, demonstrating their belief in the importance of supporting and honoring God's servants.
The Shunammite woman's actions are often seen as an example of true hospitality and a willingness to bless those who serve God. This hospitality ultimately leads to blessing for her as Elisha later prays for her barrenness to be reversed and she conceives and bears a son.
This verse, 2 Kings 4:10, is part of the story of the Shunammite woman and the prophet Elisha. Let's break down its meaning:
Context: The Shunammite woman and her husband have been observing that Elisha, a man of God, regularly passes through their town. They recognize him as a holy man and have been offering him hospitality, inviting him to eat with them.
"Please let us make a little room on the roof": This refers to building a small, private room on the flat roof of their house. Roofs in that time were often used as living spaces, especially in the evenings. The idea is to create a dedicated space for Elisha's comfort.
"Let us set for him there a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp stand": This describes the furnishings they want to provide for Elisha's room. These items are the basic necessities for a comfortable and functional living space. They represent:
Bed: A place for rest and sleep.
Table: A surface for eating, studying, or working.
Chair: A place to sit and relax.
Lamp stand: Providing light for reading or other activities, especially at night.
"When he comes to us, he can stay there.”: This is the purpose of the room. They are providing a dedicated space for Elisha to stay whenever he passes through Shunem. They want to offer him consistent, comfortable lodging.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
The verse highlights the Shunammite woman's extraordinary hospitality and reverence for Elisha. It shows:
Respect and Honor: She recognized Elisha as a man of God and wanted to honor him.
Generosity: She was willing to invest time and resources to create a comfortable space for him.
Selflessness: She sought no reward for her actions, but simply wanted to serve God's prophet.
Practical Kindness: She went beyond simply offering a meal and provided for Elisha's long-term needs while traveling.
Faith: The Shunammite woman and her husband acted in faith, demonstrating their belief in the importance of supporting and honoring God's servants.
The Shunammite woman's actions are often seen as an example of true hospitality and a willingness to bless those who serve God. This hospitality ultimately leads to blessing for her as Elisha later prays for her barrenness to be reversed and she conceives and bears a son.